Called Im2Calories, the technology uses what Murphy defined as “sophisticated deep-learning algorithms.” He admits, it isn’t an exact science, and that Im2Calories doesn’t offer specific calorie counts.

“Maybe we get the calories off by 20 percent. It doesn’t matter. We’re going to average over a week or a month or year.”

“To me, it’s obvious that people really want this and this is really useful,” said Murphy in The Guardian report, “Okay, fine, maybe we get the calories off by 20 percent. It doesn’t matter. We’re going to average over a week or a month or year.”

According to The Guardian report, Google has filed a patent for the technology, but a Google spokesperson told Cnet that Im2Calories is still in the research phrase, with no definite product plans right now.

About The Author

Amy Gesenhues is Third Door Media's General Assignment Reporter, covering the latest news and updates for Search Engine Land and Marketing Land. From 2009 to 2012, she was an award-winning syndicated columnist for a number of daily newspapers from New York to Texas. With more than ten years of marketing management experience, she has contributed to a variety of traditional and online publications, including MarketingProfs.com, SoftwareCEO.com, and Sales and Marketing Management Magazine. Read more of Amy's articles.